What are kanthari TALKS ?
kanthari TALKS are the culmination of our intensive, hands on, seven month social leadership program. Throughout the kanthari program, our participants from around the world work on turning their dreams of social change into a tangible and implementable action plan. These change makers then go back to their communities armed with the tools they need to challenge the status quo and build their dream projects.
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Meet the 2024 kanthari TALKS speakers
Hover over the pictures or click the button to learn more
Speakers from Around the World
Speakers come from Angola, Bolivia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Exciting times: For many of the participants it is the first time to be on a stage giving a public speech and most of them
English is not their native language!
So let’s encourage them the best we can!
Livestream
kanthari-TALKS featured on kanthariTV, showcases inspiring stories of change-makers from diverse backgrounds who have overcome adversity to drive social impact. These videos highlight graduates of the kanthari leadership program, who share their unique experiences and innovative solutions to pressing global issues. Through personal narratives, each speaker offers insight into their journey, fostering empathy and encouraging viewers to engage in meaningful social transformation.The platform serves as a powerful tool to amplify the voices of those working at the grassroots level to create a more just and inclusive world.
Program
kanthari TALKS Day One - Friday 13-12-2024
The dream school (09:30-10:40)
Challenging the status quo! These bold change-makers are reimagining school and education to ignite new paths for future generations of learners.
Prashant Tudu from India/Jharkhand Date 13-12-2024, Time : 09:30- 09:50 IST
Tudu is from the Santhalese tribe and has experienced discrimination in school. Despite all challenges, he completed his studies in anthropology and tribal culture and is now ready to offer a new learning path for tribal children.
Kenneth Munene Gitari from Kenya/Kirinyaga Date 13-12-2024, Time : 09:55- 10:15 IST
Kenneth comes from a rural part of Kenya where children grow up with the feeling that they are inferior. Kenneth plans to change this by starting an after-school program.
Prakash Chandra Dangi from India/Rajasthan Date 13-12-2024, Time : 10:20- 10:40 IST
Seeing friends from Adivasi and Dalit communities trapped in early marriages, Prakash knew education was essential to change the conditions. Thus, he decided to start an NGO to provide quality education to students from marginalized communities.
Redefining resilience (11:10-12:20)
Three women are breaking barriers and bridging worlds.
Priyanka Shahi from Nepal Date 13-12-2024, Time : 11:10- 11:30 IST
In search of better opportunities to support her family, Priyanka moved to Australia without realizing the difficulties of surviving in a foreign country. Based on her experiences struggling with mental health issues, she wants to offer psychosocial support for migrants like herself and help returnees find their way back into their home country.
Jestina from Zimbabwe Date 13-12-2024, Time : 11:35- 11:55 IST
Jestina grew up as an orphan. Longing for a family of her own, she desperately wanted to become a mother. Since she couldn’t have children, Jestina faced cruel stigma from society. Now she has founded an organization for childless women and orphans to challenge the stigma in Zimbabwean society.
Fransisca Christanti Tri Wulandari from Indonesia Date 13-12-2024, Time : 12:00- 12:20 IST
Once battling anxiety and self-harm, Fransisca found healing through friendship, mentorship, and art. Now she’s dedicated to creating a safe space for others to speak freely about mental health.
Empower young minds(12:50- 1335)
Two change-makers share how challenges in their childhood motivated them to assist youngsters in finding a different path to adulthood.
Timothy Munguci from Uganda Date 13-12-2024, Time : 12:50- 13:10 IST
Once bullied for not fitting into the regular educational system, Timothy now champions young creatives, offering them the chance to break free and explore careers in music production.
Shrishail from India/Pune Date 13-12-2024, Time : 13:15- 13:35 IST
Growing up in a slum, his schoolteacher sparked a passion in him for reading books. This broadened his perspectives and opened up many opportunities to learn and engage in meaningful work. Now, he dreams of inculcating this same love for books among the youth of slum communities in the city of Pune.
Vocal women (15:00- 16:10)
Powerful voices of change are tackling the hardest challenges, from violence in war zones to safety and equality for women in Africa.
Solange Ndip Tanyi from Cameroon Date 13-12-2024, Time : 15:00- 15:20 IST
Solange experienced rape at a very young age and faced stigma from the village elders. She is now ready to call herself a survivor and supports other women who have suffered like her by helping them instilling strength for a better tomorrow.
Susanna Tiwonge Simango from Malawi Date 13-12-2024, Time : 15:25- 15:45 IST
Teopista Nyachwo from Uganda Date 13-12-2024, Time : 15:50- 16:10 IST
Environment counts (16:40- 17:50)
From ecological hubs to digital warriors fighting oil spills and turning organic waste into resources, these passionate change-makers are tackling environmental challenges with innovation and purpose.
Caren Anyango Jobita from Kenya/Kisumu
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 16:40- 17:00 IST
Her journey began in the Nyalenda Slum, where rotting waste and polluted rivers were daily companions. Sickened by the filth and ashamed of her home’s reputation, Caren learned everything about transforming organic waste with the help of insects.
Jethro Christopher from Nigeria
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 17:05 - 17:25 IST
Maria Juliet from India/Tamil Nadu
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 17:30 - 17:50 IST
From a young age, Maria Juliet had a love for animals and plants. After pursuing a career in biotechnology, she and her husband decided to follow their passion for protecting nature. In 2019, they founded Meahlvanam, an organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and restoring habitats.
Disability and change (19:30- 20:40)
Join three pioneers in action, envisioning a world in which disability means opportunity. Learn about innovations for those who have embraced their limitations.
Enoque de Carvalho from Angola/Luanda
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 19:30 - 19:50 IST
Sijo Varghese from India/Kerala
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 19:55 - 20:15 IST
At the age of nine, Sijo’s childhood ended abruptly due to a life-altering accident that left him paraplegic. The years that followed were marked by struggles, worsened by a lack of proper rehabilitation. Sijo plans to start an organization that assists victims of accidents in early and holistic rehabilitation.
David Wayi from Uganda
Date 13-12-2024, Time : 20:20- 20:40 IST
Program
kanthari TALKS Day Two - Saturday 14-12-2024
Breaking chains (11:00-12:00)
Youth justice reimagined. Three visionaries from India, Kenya, and Uganda share their vision for giving young people in conflict and/or contact with the law a second chance and a brighter future.
Mala Sonawadekar from India/Mumbai
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 11:00 - 11:20 IST
Maria Aminat Opolot from Uganda
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 11:25 - 11:45 IST
Anne Gloria Achieng from Kenya/Kisumu
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 11:50- 12:10 IST
Bridging communities (12:35- 13:50)
Eric Mwenge from DRC
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 12:40 - 13:00 IST
Gabriela Zambrana Méndez from Bolivia
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 13:05 - 13:25 IST
Blaise Ngwanoh Ngwana from North-West Cameroon
Date 14-12-2024, Time : 13:30- 13:50 IST
Testimonials
kanthariTalks is an inspiring platform that showcases powerful stories of change-makers who turn challenges into opportunities for social impact. Each talk motivates and empowers viewers to take action for a better world
kanthari TALKS is an event I recommend joining;
A unique opportunity to get inspired by change-makers
who come from the margins of society and who
present their solutions for a better tomorrow.
Narayana Murthy
founder Infosys
kanthari TALKS was a turning point for me. I first attended kanthari TALKS a few years ago and it was an exceptional experience – educational, emotional and inspiring; all at the same time. The ‘dream speeches’ of kanthari participants transported me to many different countries and communities, exposed me to deeply rooted social issues and reminded me of the incredible power of human spirit and will. It is an event without any boundaries; equally meaningful to everyone – students, professionals, social change makers, entrepreneurs, policy makers and absolutely anyone else too. I am eagerly looking forward to kanthari TALKS 2022!”.
Ms Priya Joshi
Former Managing Director ,HR
support kanthari
kanthari Intake
Are you a change- maker?
You know the change society needs… We just give you the tools…
Do you carry a plan to make a difference within your community and are you looking for a leadership training course to acquire the necessary skills? Then check out the kanthari Curriculum and apply to become a participant in the next kanthari course that starts in April 2025. Apply today at www.kanthari.org/admission
Since 2009, 280 participants from 55 countries were trained at the kanthari campus in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
This has resulted in more than 180+ social initiatives and organisations that are creating a positive impact in the lives of thousands of people within their communities and therewith contributing to a more peaceful world, every day.
At kanthari our aim is to annually train 20 – 25 leaders:
The course is a final stop before starting an own organisation / venture /NGO or social enterprise.
If you are selected, a scholarship will be provided.
